Her Private War

by David Laws

“I just loved this book. Full of surprises and twists and turns!” —Amazon reviewer, five stars

A woman of humble origins fights to overcome every obstacle to pilot a plane in World War I Britain, in a novel by the author of The Fuhrer’s Orphans  . . .

Being female means that Charlotte Dovedale’s dreams are likely out of reach. Her mother is eager to support Charlotte’s brother in his quest to join the newly formed Royal Flying Corps, but Charlotte is left to channel her energy into the suffragette movement.

When she meets upper-class Scott Fanshawe, though, he opens a door for teaching her to fly. It soon becomes clear that Charlotte has not only the skill, but the bravery required for aviation. However, when she finally earns her pilot’s license, the Great War breaks out and threatens to keep her grounded. It will take all of Charlotte’s daring and determination to succeed and soar—in a risky adventure that will put her face-to-face with the enemy . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Aviation

288 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2022

Reviews

[Karen Tebbutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by David Laws and although I initially struggled to get into this, I am pleased that I persevered as it was an enjoyable read.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

With so many important themes on this book you would not be able to put it down, from the fight for women's right to vote, the ban on female pilots in England during WWI, spies and double spies, the fight for survival and family betrayal.
A very well researched book, I learned a lot about aviation and its importance during WWI, but also enjoyed the writing since it grabs you from the beginning of the book until the last page of the book.
From the ending it looks like there will be a second book and can't wait to read it.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this book. The main character was not likeable. It felt as if it could have been written to show why women shouldn't get the vote. (I don't think it was - it was published in the 21st century - but the main character fit many of the stereotypes of suffragettes.)
The main character, Charlotte, is convinced that she is a better pilot than her brother. She may be right, but no evidence is given of this beyond her say-so. When she takes up a plane without permission it is shot up by the Germans. When she does finagle her way into carrying out a mission of flying a spy across enemy lines, the plane crashes on an ice field. Both of those may have been unavoidable, but it doesn't illustrate that she has the great skills that she thinks she has. In contrast, her brother receives several awards for his actions during the war.
Charlotte supports women's suffrage but is happy to be bailed out when she is arrested at a suffrage rally, describing her arrest as a mistake while other women remain in prison.
She jumps to conclusions and acts without thinking about consequences.
At the end of the book, the man who she is attracted to doesn't want to stay with her after seeing her kill an enemy spy - another stereotype: women who take on men's responsibilities can't get a man.

[Liz T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that Her Private War was well researched and I enjoyed the historical background. The book clearly showed the difficulties many women faced in getting their voices heard during these times.
Charlotte desperately wants to become a pilot but the odds are stacked against her. I found the start of the book was extremely slow and much too detailed, in fact the book took as long to get off the ground as Charlotte. However, I persevered and the book did start to get exciting and grab my interest about half way in but this may be too long to wait for some. I thought that the characters needed further development and the ending was a little too contrived. Thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC in return for an impartial review.

[Sandra Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is coming our June 20, 2022. The paperback is coming out June 6 of 2022. This is a story of bravery of a woman name Charlotte Dovedale in the year of 1914 of July 6th, this story begins. The time of woman was homemaker, wife, and daughters of the times. But Charlotte is a woman of thinking and adventures, action, and a thinker. Charlotte is a woman that keeps this book so exciting, entertaining, and appealing. I enjoy read her knowledge of planes, her determination, and her thinking. Charlotte is a character that you will love to read about. I hope you grab this one.

[Heather Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I'm going to read out of my usual genre then a book set in the past , that's based on facts is my choice . This was a book I couldn't put down , read in 2 days! A great plot in historic times, a great tribute to all the ladies who gave everything they could to make a men orientated world realise women had more to offer than to be just be at home with Housework and Children, they could and can do a job alongside

[Frances Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this five stars for what seems to be meticulous research and a very good storyline. The aviation history is very interesting and not drawn out unnecessarily, and the novel has an engaging sense of place and time. My only small niggle is the feeling that the main protagonist, Charlotte, comes over as more of a male personality—but perhaps she is just one of the exceptions to the rule! I would happily read another book by this author and don't hesitate to recommend this one.

[Barry Doswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grinds along, the heroine is hard to like

A well thought out plot, but written in the first person so it’s all I did this, I did that, then I rolled my eyes. It gets wearing at times. Then the heroine acts like a naive and very spoilt girl for most of the book, making it quite hard to support her and hope she succeeds at her tasks. The author creates the conditions for a sequel, which I hope he writes, as his plots are great.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable novel, Charlotte desperately wants to be a pilot then when war breaks out her desire becomes even stronger. She has to fight all the prejudices that women faced at that time but finds herself getting more than she bargained for. I loved this book and couldn’t put it down until I’d read the last page.

[Aileen Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story but for some reason it didn't hold my attention. I was able to put it down and come back later. I think it says more about me than the book as the characters are likeable and the plot is intriguing.

[Rock Chick Fee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read if you are interested in woman flying and the suffragettes and that period of the 1st world war.

[Jennifer Pickles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow at beginning. Almost gave up on it multiple times. Finally picked up the last 30% of the novel.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this historical story. This is a new author for me which I look forward to reading more from. This is a well written story that takes place during WWII. A story about a woman who overcomes so much to pilot a plane. This is a story of inspiration and what happens when you are determined to do something. I enjoyed how the characters were able to pull me into the story. They are connectable and supportive of each other. They made the story fun and easy to read. This is a fast paced, engagging story that is hard to put down. I really enjoyed the growth of the plot as well as the characters throughout the story. I highly recommend this book.